The input of fishermen will be taken into account before the island moves ahead on setting aside 20 per cent of its waters as fully protected, the environment minister said.

Jaché Adams spoke after meeting with the Fishermen's Association of Bermuda, including the group’s president, Allan Bean, and Jamie Walsh, its secretary.

He said: “We understand that no conservation strategy will succeed without strong enforcement and quality data.

“Our aim is to reach a solution with the fishermen on these issues before designating any additional protected areas.”

The sanctuary, announced under the Blue Prosperity Plan in August 2022, would apply to the island’s exclusive economic zone, which extends 200 nautical miles, or 230 miles, offshore.

However, the creation of the marine spatial plan, which has proved a persistent sticking point with the fishermen’s group, was put on pause this year.

Mr Adams said that talks at ministry headquarters had delivered a “meaningful step forward” on the Government’s pledge for collaboration with the FAB.

The meeting included Kirk Outerbridge, the permanent secretary, and Tammy Warren, the senior marine resources officer at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Mr Adams said the aim was “striking the right balance between environmental protection and economic sustainability”.

He added: “Our fishermen are not just stakeholders; they are stewards of the sea, and their experience is essential in shaping fair, workable marine policy.”

The minister said that the FAB was in accord with many long-term goals but had specific concerns, particularly the protected marine areas.

Talks were said to focus on alternative fisheries management tools, as well as the need to improve marine enforcement and strengthen the collection of catch data.

A public-private Bermuda Ocean Prosperity Fund for marine development was gazetted for incorporation in February.